Film: The Matrix Resurrections

Next up - and the last I'll be seeing before I go back, it seems, as no new films seem to be opening - was The Matrix: Resurrections (Omniplex again, of course). My original plan was actually to see this first, until its ratings plummeted! So, it's a kind of sequel to the original Matrix trilogy, with Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, both of whom were killed in the last film, back to life. Which, of course, is never a problem with the construct of reality that we get in these films - anything goes. I did wonder whether their resurrection would be explained - and whether we'd understand it if so! Neil Patrick Harris (as Keanu's analyst) and Christina Ricci (as Keanu's contact to the real world - yes, he needs one) also show up, as does Jada Pinkett Smith, reprising her role as a pilot of one of the rebel ships. Only now she's kind of running the place. Anyway, I'd heard some complaints about the CGI.. We'd see. As mentioned, it was all that was left for me to see here, anyway. I made sure to review the plot to date, before embarking on the next chapter.. aimed to see this today.

And I did. Got in on time again - nice big screen for once (Screen 5); it's showing in two separate screens. For all that, it had only a handful of other people in it. Now, not only the backstory, and the link to the new film, are made apparent - but also, it seems, the reason for making it. Picture the scene: Tom Anderson (Keanu Reeves) is now a videogame designer, fabulously successful following his development of a groundbreaking new game called - The Matrix. Following a psychotic episode some years back, however, where he tried to jump from a high building because he thought he could fly, he's now seeing an analyst (with a cat, appropriately called Déja Vu), and taking pills. Blue. One daily. To keep his grip on reality. He keeps running into Tiffany (Carrie-Anne Moss) at the local coffee shop. Feels a strange connection to her. Now, one day there's a glitch in the Matrix - and it turns out to be all down to a little program he kept running in the background.. one that has a character in it called Morpheus..

Anyone who's a Matrix fan will have picked up some clues in that paragraph.

Things come to a head when his business partner informs him that Warner Brothers (makers of the film, too) want a fourth instalment of The Matrix - a sequel to the original trilogy, which as Tom points out, he swore he'd never return to. Sundry headwrecking meetings follow, where marketing types argue over what version of the game will be most successful, and some want to return to the original format. You can see where this is going..?

Anyway, you can choose to believe this version of reality. Or you can go with the complicated version: Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) should have been destroyed, but were secretly kept alive and plugged into the Matrix. Christina Ricci finds Morpheus, and they go hunting for Neo.. and that analyst is more than he seems. As is Tom Anderson's business partner - the new Agent Smith. Who is not the only one with a vested interest in the status quo. Not by a long shot.

Really, that's not too much of a spoiler. And actually, I really enjoyed this - I didn't think it quite deserved its meteoric fall in ratings, which I'm putting down to the sheer volume of repeat clips from past Matrix films that are included here: perhaps as reminders for those who might not have seen them? They did irritate me. However, for once I agree with the marketing guys that wanted a return to the original - back to basics is good, I found the last two films just way too philosophical and confusing! We got the original idea - it's nice to get back to it. As for the CGI, I'm no expert, but it looked all right to me. The constant addition of old film clips aside, what the hey, I appreciated the nostalgia!

I fly back to London on Monday. And after that, again, we shall see.. I'd like to go to one of the much larger choice of films there on Tuesday, but the sodding film list hasn't been updated yet!

Film: The King's Man

For last Sunday, I was thinking of The King's Man. Set in the early years of the 20th century, this is the most stylish of spy dramas - a kind of early James Bond film - and I love the series. Stars Ralph Fiennes as the stylish Duke of Oxford, Charles Dance as General Kitchener (who I think is supposed to be his father-in-law, although in real life Kitchener didn't marry), and Rhys Ifans as Rasputin. Promised to be great fun! The Omniplex, as usual, has the cheapest ticket prices.

..but my mother was speaking to someone who told her that Covid was rampant in Limerick. And by the time I'd argued with her over it, and she sighed "Oh, go if you want to," it was too late anyway, for the showing I'd wanted. I had kind of agreed not to go anywhere on Monday either, so - with Tesco delivering yesterday afternoon, and me having to be there to meet them - it ended up being today.

At last! Well, I actually took off early - so as not to have to make chit-chat with my mother's care assistant, whose chit-chat isn't really worth hanging around for. So I got there early - took the roundabout route as usual, avoiding the city centre, and was early enough to get to Tesco beforehand. To pick up the stuff she forgot to ask me to order, and was then surprised when she didn't get it. When I'd done that, I headed to the cinema, where a short queue at the door - where they were checking our Covid certs and ID - allowed me to get my stuff together. And I was still nice and early into the screen - mercifully, not as cold as the last time!

So, this film shows us the origins of the Kingsman Intelligence Agency. First, we have a little detour to the Boer War, where we are introduced to the Duke, and his pacifist credentials are established. However, the action proper starts with the advent of the First World War - which, in this, arises from the fiendish machinations of - a Scotsman! who (spoiler) wants to punish the English for centuries of oppression. So he has assembled all the troublemakers of the day - and what a bunch! Seated around the table are Rasputin, Mata Hari, Gavrilo Princip, Lenin, an adviser to the Kaiser.. truly, a vexatious combination. The Kingsman Intelligence Agency - which initially meets at the Duke's estate - takes it upon itself to combat these nefarious plans!

It's quite a mixture, this film, which is probably why it didn't rate higher. It's funny, it's stylish - and there is tremendous attention to real historic detail. For instance, I was delighted to watch the death of Rasputin - no spoiler to reveal that he was murdered, any history buff will know that, and as in real life, he was fed poisoned cake at Yusupov's home (a cousin of the Oxfords, in this), and finally shot in the forehead, being apparently immune to the poison. And Gavrilo Princip really did shoot Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, when their car stopped close to him - here, the Duke is in the same car. As for the Romanovs - yes, sadly, the Tsar, the Tsarina, and their five children did die in a hail of bullets in a basement.

Which brings me on to another feature of the film - it's got a lot of sombre scenes: like the Romanovs' murders, like realistic scenes (albeit without the mud) of trench warfare, like the depictions of no-man's-land. It's pointedly anti-war - Kitchener, Oxford, and the King all bemoan the loss of life at various points. And all of this sits uneasily with the hilarity of other scenes. So, there isn't a cohesive style. But it's still very watchable - and impeccably well-mannered. Apart, of course, from Rasputin.

Oh, and do stay for a bit of the credits - there is another scene, introducing another fiendish ally of chaos.. ;-)

Right! Next up - and the last I'll be seeing before I go back, it seems, as no new films seem to be opening - is The Matrix: Resurrections (Omniplex again, of course). My original plan was actually to see this first, until its ratings plummeted! So, it's a kind of sequel to the original Matrix trilogy, with Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, both of whom were killed in the last film, back to life. Which, of course, is never a problem with the construct of reality that we get in these films - anything goes. I do wonder whether their resurrection will be explained - and whether we'll understand it if it is! Neil Patrick Harris and Christina Ricci also show up, as does Jada Pinkett Smith, reprising her role as a pilot of one of the rebel ships. Anyway, I've heard some complaints about the CGI.. We'll see. As I say, it's all that's left for me to see here, anyway. Methinks I'd better review the plot to date, before embarking on the next chapter.. aiming to see this tomorrow.

I fly back to London on Monday. And after that, again, we shall see..

Films: Extra Ordinary & Jackie

Well, tonight's telly saw a film I'd never heard of, much less seen. Extra Ordinary is a gentle Irish comedy, starring comedian Maeve Higgins as a psychic driving instructor, and Barry Ward as a misfortunate man, who not only has to deal with the irritable poltergeist of his late wife, but now his teenage daughter is being sought as the virgin sacrifice for a demonic ceremony. Carrie Crowley shows up as a TV presenter.

Ah, 'tis lovely. You know, I was never keen on Maeve Higgins' comedy, but I think this film suits her perfectly. Quietly surreal, it takes us through her acknowledgement of her gift, as she is persuaded to help this man. Because he's kind of cute, like. All sorts of weirdness ensues, as she has to collect the ectoplasm of seven ghosts. He wonders where on earth they'll get that - ah, she says, you'd be surprised. And so she starts to visit all those folks with haunting problems, whose calls she's been avoiding.. Highly recommended, if you come across it.

And lo, when it was finished, I could turn over to Jackie! Now, this is one I did hear of, but never saw. Natalie Portman stars, in an award-nominated role, as the title character, Jackie O, whose first husband, JFK, has just been assassinated. (Well, he had by the time I started watching.) Peter Sarsgaard is his brother, Bobby, John Hurt plays her confessor, Billy Crudup the journalist writing her story, John Carroll Lynch is Lyndon B. Johnson. Also stars Richard E. Grant.

I can see why she was nominated for this - she deftly combines personal shock and grief with the composure and organisation required by her position as First Lady. And she demonstrates great strength, after the assassination, in ensuring her late husband's legacy - and fighting his powerful family when necessary, as well as the diplomats that all seem to know how things should be done. She walks a delicate path, always capable of steely resolve, and yet always seeming on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Snappy editing reflects to us viewers the stress she is under. We all know there's more to her story, but this film just covers the period up to the funeral, when she had to make so many decisions with political import. An excellent story, told from the perspective of one of the most famous widows in history.

For last Sunday, I was thinking of The King's Man. Set in the early years of the 20th century, this is the most stylish of spy dramas - a kind of early James Bond film - and I love the series. Stars Ralph Fiennes as the stylish spy, and Rhys Ifans as Rasputin. Should be great fun! The Omniplex, as usual, has the cheapest ticket prices.

..but my mother was speaking to someone who told her that Covid was rampant in Limerick. And by the time I'd argued with her over it, and she sighed "Oh, go if you want to," it was too late anyway, for the showing I'd wanted. I had kind of agreed not to go anywhere on Monday either, so - with Tesco delivering this afternoon, and me having to be there to meet them - it's now looking like tomorrow. I live in hope. Well, it's not like there are that many I want to see, locally, anyway.

Film: Dracula (2006)

For yesterday, I was thinking of The King's Man. Set in the early years of the 20th century, this is the most stylish of spy dramas - a kind of early James Bond film - and I love the series. Stars Ralph Fiennes as the stylish spy, and Rhys Ifans as Rasputin. Should be great fun! The Omniplex, as usual, has the cheapest ticket prices.

..but my mother was speaking to someone who told her that Covid was rampant in Limerick. And by the time I'd argued with her over it, and she sighed "Oh, go if you want to," it was too late anyway, for the showing I'd wanted. I had kind of agreed not to go anywhere today either, so - with Tesco delivering tomorrow afternoon, and me having to be there to meet them - it's now looking like Wednesday. I live in hope. Well, it's not like there are that many I want to see, locally, anyway.

Meantime, tonight I finally found a film that I hadn't seen, and which sounded interesting! Yet another version of Dracula, this one dates from 2006 - and notably, focuses entirely on London. Well, perhaps not - I did miss the first 25 minutes, and there is something about the Count (Marc Warren, with black hair) making the ladies' acquaintance in Yorkshire. A totally unrecognisable David Suchet plays Van Helsing, who in this version is discovered in a dungeon.

Certainly, no mention of Transylvania - or travelling there - they deal with Dracula in London. Jonathan Harker is mentioned, and written off as "lost", poor chap. And Dr. Seward plays a much greater part than usual. Otherwise - well, it's all right. Marc Warren is decent, the rest of the film pretty forgettable. Lucy has some fun playing the sexually frustrated woman who becomes undead. Watchable, not worth going out of your way for.

Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I have my work laptop with me. Just in case. Already needed it to prove that I was telling the truth about notifications I'd sent, against someone else's contradictions..

Film: House of Gucci

Well, I'm back in Ireland. I booked with (highly expensive) Aer Lingus again, for the sake of the later flight. But thank goodness it wasn't Stansted. Just a long slog over to Heathrow..

Now, the first palaver was online check-in with Aer Lingus. You see, they're signed up with this Verifly App, where you upload all the necessary documentation. Aer Lingus, in fact, won't let you check in until you've completed Verifly. Unfortunately, one of the things they want is the Passenger Locator Form - and one piece of information needed on the form is your seat number. Which you, eh, don't get until you've checked in.. So, all was fine once I, eh, made one up..

Anyway, dragged myself out of bed on the day, managed to dress and pack. And left when I meant to. But still - when I got to Liverpool Street, to take the Tube to Heathrow - I thought to myself, you know, this is going to be pretty tight. So maybe I'd better play by Plan B - head to Paddington instead, and take the Heathrow Express. And that's what I did, trying all the while, frantically, to book my train ticket online. Of course, being on the Tube meant the reception was dicey at best - however, I did get far enough to ascertain that I'd save £10 by booking it online. Which was what I did, having located the Heathrow Express platform in Paddington - with minutes to go until the train departed, I uttered some choice language as my phone tried to decide to load the Heathrow Express pages. Managed it in the end, got on the train. Had an unmerciful trek to the terminal from Heathrow Central Train Station, and made the bag drop with six minutes to spare. So yes, good decision!

And from then on, I have to say, it was pretty blissful. Firstly - amazingly, given my regular experiences at Stansted - NO QUEUES AT SECURITY! What a change. A couple of times, I was asked for documentation, but as soon as I informed them that I had Verifly, that was that. Ooh, and just like Shannon, you can leave everything in your bag - no removal of liquids or electronics. Another thing Stansted hasn't heard of. I arrived at the gate - after a short walk (unlike Stansted) - just before they started boarding, whereupon all I had to do was show my passport to the lady and scan my boarding pass. An airbridge to board (luxury!) and my seat was way more comfortable than Ryanair. And there was a charging point for my phone. And an individual telly - just a pity I didn't have my headphones! And better aircon. Ah yes, almost worth the eye-watering cost..

Well, cinemas in Ireland - like bars, restaurants and theatres - are subject to an 8pm curfew. But I was already subject to that, living with my mother - so today, I headed to the cinema. Two films on that I wanted to see - and the better-rated (by far, all of a sudden!) was House of Gucci, starring Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani, an ambitious young Italian woman, Adam Driver as Maurizio Gucci, with whom she falls in love and whom she marries, Jeremy Irons as his father, Rodolfo Gucci, Al Pacino as Rodolfo's brother, Aldo - they own the Gucci dynasty together, Jared Leto as his son, Camille Cottin as an old friend of Maurizio's, and Salma Hayek as Patrizia's astrologer, in a dramatisation of the life of the famous Gucci family, of fashion business fame. Directed by Ridley Scott, it was bound to be entertaining - and with a cast like that, how can you lose?! Now showing only in the Omniplex.

I made sure to avoid the city centre - as a radio dj remarked, today was the day when the lads all hurried to town for last-minute Christmas presents, and traffic was crazy! Was delighted, however, to discover that there was no trouble parking. And hey, for once, no Covid check at the door! So actually, I took my seat in good time. I tell you this though, I kept my coat on - it was freezing in the screen! If this is their idea of anti-Covid ventilation, I'm not keen..

Well, gotta say, this film is great fun. Stylish, OTT - the soundtrack is great. I never did like high fashion, so that part is lost on me - but it has plenty of humour. Lady Gaga gives it welly as the femme fatale - and really looks like the character she plays - and Jared Leto is absolutely hilarious as the cousin who fancies himself as a designer, but whom nobody rates. Fascinating story - which, of course, the family has rubbished - but certainly this is an entertaining watch. Despite being a little longer than I anticipated.

Nothing on tomorrow, of course - but for what the Irish call St. Stephen's Day (and most of the rest of the world call Boxing Day), I'm thinking of The King's Man. Set in the early years of the 20th century, this is the most stylish of spy dramas - a kind of early James Bond film - and I love the series. Stars Ralph Fiennes as the stylish spy, and Rhys Ifans as Rasputin. Should be great fun! The Omniplex, as usual, has the cheapest ticket prices.

Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I have my work laptop with me. Just in case. Already needed it to prove that I was telling the truth, against someone else's contradictions..

Social Chat

Tonight was supposed to be my last social event before Christmas - meeting my ex-boss from my first company in London for our annual hot chocolate and booze. Supposed to meet in Caffe Nero - but wouldn't you know it, he cried off as well, owing to fears of Covid. One day, I suppose, we can meet in person again. For now, it was Skype - and I started on my laptop, but had to move to my phone when the laptop kept dropping connection. What the hey, it was a long, long chat, and great to get back in touch. And hopefully next year will be even more sociable, eh?

Well, I remain bulletproof, and my test today was negative again. So I'm back to Ireland for Christmas tomorrow afternoon.. (highly expensive) Aer Lingus again, for the sake of the later flight. But thank goodness it's not Stansted. Just a long slog over to Heathrow..

Well, cinemas in Ireland - like bars, restaurants and theatres - are subject to an 8pm curfew. But I was already subject to that, living with my mother - so on Friday, I'll be hoping to head to the cinema. Two films on that I want to see - and the better-rated (by far, all of a sudden!) is House of Gucci, starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto, and Salma Hayek, in a dramatisation of the life of the famous Gucci family, of fashion business fame. Directed by Ridley Scott, it's bound to be entertaining - and with a cast like that, how can you lose?! Now showing only in the Omniplex.

Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I'm taking my laptop to Ireland for Christmas. Just in case.

Ballet: The Nutcracker

Now, my old work friends and I had a great old time on the 10th - so we planed to do it again tonight! Well, some of it.. I was supposed to meet up with an old colleague at The Spice of Life, which used to be an office haunt when we were with that company. Ivan would have come - but unfortunately, like many of his team, he's now tested positive. So that is that, I'm afraid - and he misses going back to his family for Christmas. And now my other colleague has cried off - probably wisely. We'll do it again next year. Unless we don't. So me? I booked for The Nutcracker, at The Coliseum. Ah well, 'tis tradition! and I got the very last seat in the balcony (back row, v handy if you can't handle the stairs).

Now, with so much content due this week, I had people bothering me all day about one thing or another. And they were still at it when I packed up the laptop and made for the bus. There were several I could get - the venue had advised me to be there at least 15 minutes early, and I was a bit late to get the #11, which would have gone straight. So I'd have to change - but wouldn't you know it, the buses have never behaved themselves better than this evening! In both cases, the buses arrived before I had time to check my app to see where they were - and for the first bus, literally nobody (!) got on or off between my getting on and my getting off! We breezed into the West End, and I beat Google Maps' estimate of how long it'd take me. Our Covid passes were checked first, then our tickets, and I was in - for the first time in nearly 2.5 years..!

The lady at the door directed me to the wrong stairs, would you believe.. there was another usher there, however, who pointed me in the right direction. I walked right past the lift - tried the button, but it didn't seem to be working. So, stairs it was - and lo, I managed them! Panted my way to the Upper Circle bar, and rewarded myself with a large Pinot Grigio and a tub of fudge. (Which I regretted later, when putting my coat on the seat beside me, where I'd left the fudge, and sending it crashing to the ground in the middle of the show..)

Wow, it's so long since I saw this interior. Felt good. I am glad I got the unexpected chance. And as I say, I had two free seats beside me - very handy for leaving things on - and two in front (so, an unimpeded view!).

Ah wow, you just can't go wrong with The Nutcracker! Gorgeous, immediately recognisable score, Christmassy theme.. and this production is the most traditional I've seen. More, it completely eschews any magical theme, consigning the whole thing to the dream of a little girl who's had too much sugar and excitement at the Christmas party! Which makes the whole thing sweet and endearing. The ballet opens and closes with a scene outside the house, which apparently sits on the edge of a frozen lake - people "skate" on it (I think they used roller skates). The children are seen greeting the house guests, the party moves indoors.. the usual stuff happens, she goes to bed - has a fantastical dream, and next morning is seen bidding the guests farewell again.

I've seen plenty of versions, some more inventive than others - and absolutely loved them. But it makes a lovely change to see this simplified to its essence. Beautiful production, using the image of falling snow to change scenes - and of course, the glorious music. And it's just so.. CHRISTMASSY! Really glad I went, despite having seen it so many times before - and despite the outside air being like a fridge. Runs till the 8th. Over before 10pm, and I took the #11 back. Which did stop a few more times - perhaps it's just a more popular route..

And tomorrow, my last social event before Christmas - meeting my ex-boss from my first company in London for our annual hot chocolate and booze. Starting in Caffe Nero, we might well end up in The Hippodrome, as we did before. And why not - we're both on holiday next day, and (test permitting) I'm back to Ireland for Christmas that afternoon.. (highly expensive) Aer Lingus again, for the sake of the later flight. But thank goodness it's not Stansted. Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I'm taking my laptop to Ireland for Christmas. Just in case.

Dennis Severs' House Museum

So, flew back to London last night.. severe delays due to weather, was just like the old days. At least I made the last train back to London! And after another depleted night's sleep, had another early morning meeting - when I was supposed to make a presentation, but the company Big Kahuna who calls these meetings forgot to make time for me. Fine. It wasn't necessarily deliberate, although it might have been. And then I had a day jam-packed with work. Because they're too cheap to hire another writer. And so it was that, with my venue less than 10 minutes' walk away, I was still rushing! But hey, I wasn't realistically going to be late..

Tonight, my last Meetup of the year.. same group as my last before the major lockdown, which I hope isn't an omen! Mind you, they were called "This and That", then. And practically my first group when I eventually came back! Anyway, Invigorate were off to Dennis Severs' House Museum, which promised to be lovely, all bedecked for Christmas. I got the last ticket for that time slot! Complete with post-event social, of course - finally organised for The Grocer. All walking distance from me. Only problem was, with all the panic about Covid, every time he posted a message, I panicked, thinking it was cancelled!

No sign! I was following Google Maps, and wouldn't have been sure of the location, except that there was a lady outside, checking our QR codes. About four of us were booked for 6.45, so she took us in first - warning us (a) to stay quiet, with phones off or muted, (b) that photography was not allowed (nuts!), and (c) that we were to carry our bags in front of us, not swinging at our sides. Hmm. She also warned us to be careful on the stairs in particular, as the house was pretty much lit by candlelight.

And so, in we went. Apparently, they've reduced the numbers - just as well, with those cramped spaces! There are always guides to show you where to go next - silently. And what struck me about the whole place was how claustrophobic it was, cluttered with all the paraphernalia of the 1700s and 1800s. The kitchen in the basement reminded me of my late uncle's kitchen - the creaky, tight wooden stairs reminded me of his. Mind you, he didn't have all the accoutrements of this place.. I was just glad I survived the stairs.

One thing that did bother me somewhat was that there didn't seem to be a room that didn't have leftover food on a plate. Now, really. I assume it was fake - but it wasn't terribly pleasant to look at. Anyway, ignoring that, different rooms have different themes - one is very obviously given over to A Christmas Carol, for instance - there are bedrooms and drawing rooms, and audio effects make it sound as though someone is in the room next to you. Everyone's favourite was probably the room with the Christmas tree - although it did sport some very unsafe-looking candles! (unlit). One complaint that was generally held, mind, was how dark it was - as I say, there was only candlelight - which prevented much of the detail from being seen properly. Ah well. Definitely different. Although I must say, I was glad of the insistence on silence - it was loud enough, just with the creaking floorboards!

Afterwards, to The Grocer.

Which was practically empty, with the sloooooowest bar I think I've ever ordered at. Well, they were friendly. Excellent chips, I have to say. And good company - a lively debate about Covid kind of put paid to the evening, but what the hey, it was interesting. And good to see people - I have no more Meetups booked as of now, so.. watch this space.

Now, we had a great old time on the 10th - so we planed to do it again tomorrow! Well, some of it.. I was supposed to meet up with an old colleague at The Spice of Life, which used to be an office haunt when we were with that company. Ivan would have come - but unfortunately, like many of his team, he's now tested positive. So that is that, I'm afraid - and he misses going back to his family for Christmas. And now my other colleague has cried off - probably wisely. We'll do it again next year. Unless we don't. So me? I'm off to The Nutcracker, at The Coliseum. Ah well, 'tis tradition! and I got the very last seat in the balcony (back row, v handy if you can't handle the stairs).

And on Wednesday, my last social event before Christmas - meeting my ex-boss from my first company in London for our annual hot chocolate and booze. Starting in Caffe Nero, we might well end up in The Hippodrome, as we did before. And why not - we're both on holiday next day, and (test permitting) I'm back to Ireland for Christmas that afternoon.. (highly expensive) Aer Lingus again, for the sake of the later flight. But thank goodness it's not Stansted. Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I'm taking my laptop to Ireland for Christmas. Just in case.

Concert: Talent Unlimited

Thursday was the birthday of someone I used to know from Kensington Classical Music Society. Well, she also works for Talent Unlimited, who promote young classical musicians, and there was a concert that day, at St. James' Church Sussex Gardens (tickets through Eventbrite). She got in touch to see whether I'd be interested, so I said I'd go.

That far over meant I had to get the Tube - and despite getting an earlier one than Google Maps said I needed, I was still confused when I came out (never having been there before), and only just made the concert in time! Phew, so many roads to cross. Anyway, they took my name rather than needing to see the ticket, and there she was, just at the desk! where she kindly gifted me a pen with built-in sanitiser. We could sit wherever we liked, so I did. I figured, with the front seats mostly occupied, my best bet was to go to the side:

Excellence was expected - and delivered. And as well as Mozart & Haydn, we got a couple of modern pieces - whose composers were also present, as young beneficiaries of Talent Unlimited. We had got free programmes on the way in - unfortunately, I don't currently have mine to hand, and apologies but I can't remember the details! I will say this, though - I don't normally like modern "classical" compositions, but these were excellent - in particular the first, for piano. Apart from the unfortunately thin upholstery on my seat, I have to say, the concert was most enjoyable.

Afterwards, we headed to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, where she had organised a small reception:

Never been here before. Lots of marble, was my first impression. Now, I hear tell it's expensive - but I wouldn't know from experience, as we never had to put our hands in our pockets! She had pre-arranged everything - bottles of red and white wine, five different kinds of canapés - and as the culmination of the evening's activities, a chocolate birthday cake topped with a sparkler! and little bags of goodies for us all. Really, she's far too good - and it's amazing that we figured out it's been eight years since we met! It was a lovely evening, in good company - just a pity I had to duck out early to ring my mother, and of course my reception is always rubbish in West London, so just inside the front door was the best I could manage..

Sorry, it was too late to blog that night - and yesterday was seriously busy! My penny-pinching company consistently refuses to hire another writer, which means I'm severely overworked (don't worry, I do intend to find another job), and - by dint of refusing point blank to do what they considered urgent - I made the train with seconds to spare! Which was just as well, considering the hell I entered in Stansted. Truly the worst European airport I've ever been in. At least I managed to bypass the horrendous queue at the escalator - if you head towards the front of the train (on the right as you head in that direction), you come across the lift. Where not only was there no queue, but neither was there a ticket check - and the guy who beat me to it was kind enough to hold the lift for me. Saved myself at least 15 minutes there.

At the security gates, the congestion was so bad that the lady directed us all to the side - which might have done some good, but it's hard to be sure. Again, only seven of the 22 gates were open - why do they even have 22 gates, most of which are never used?!  I set off no alarms, neither did my bags, and it still took me 40 minutes to get through security. At least the gate change was to a closer gate.. Mind you, it was fun when we got there, what with the contradictory signs telling us which side to be on!

Anyway, I see the Christmas spirit has taken hold, back in Ireland..

By 'eck, I slept deeply last night. Now back in Ireland for the weekend.A quiet one - theatres are still closed here, and the only things worth making the trip to the cinema for are on in the evening! when I have to watch telly with my mother.

On Monday, my last Meetup of the year.. same group as my last before the major lockdown, which I hope isn't an omen! Mind you, they were called "This and That", then. And practically my first group when I eventually came back! Anyway, Invigorate are off to Dennis Severs' House Museum, which should be lovely, all bedecked for Christmas. I got the last ticket for that time slot! Complete with post-event social, of course - now organised for The Grocer. All walking distance from me. Only problem is, with all the panic about Covid, every time he posts a message, I panic, thinking it's cancelled!

Now, we had a great old time on the 10th - so we're doing it again on Tuesday! Well, some of it.. I'm meeting up with an old colleague at The Spice of Life, which used to be an office haunt when we were with that company. Ivan would have come - but unfortunately, like many of his team, he's now tested positive. So that is that, I'm afraid - and he misses going back to his family for Christmas.

And on Wednesday, my last social event before Christmas - meeting my ex-boss from my first company in London for our annual hot chocolate and booze. Starting in Caffe Nero, we might well end up in The Hippodrome, as we did before. And why not - we're both on holiday next day, and (test permitting) I'm back to Ireland for Christmas that afternoon.. (highly expensive) Aer Lingus again, for the sake of the later flight. But thank goodness it's not Stansted. Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I'm taking my laptop to Ireland for Christmas. Just in case.

Terra Rossa Restaurant

Tonight - Civilised London was off for an Italian meal: Terra Rossa was the venue, and we met beforehand in The Crown. And I was really lucky to get a place - he limits attendees to five, for an intimate gathering, and I only got a place on Monday, after someone dropped out! Well, I hoped I'd be up to it - I got my booster jab earlier in the day.. but it was the same as my first two, and I only got a sore arm on those occasions. And I had the day off, so could rest in the afternoon!

I walked to the vaccination centre, at Guy's Hospital. Three vaccination centres, they have, and it was hard to find my way - although the signposting was decent. When I did get there, I found myself at the end of what turned out to be a 45-minute queue. Just as well the weather was decent. When we got near the top, a fellow appeared with a tablet, and registered us - when we got into the marquee, we spent 20 minutes more sitting in a chair, watching leaves blow around the roof, and waiting to be called. When I was, I ended up with the army.. who were rather surprised when I said I was already double-jabbed! So my details have been updated, and I got my booster. And apart from momentary soreness, that was just fine.

And so, after a short nap, to The Crown, who do a lovely house white. And we chatted merrily - before heading on a tour of the restaurants of Islington (there are quite a few) until we came to ours. Sat near the back, we were well served - and people declared themselves delighted with the starters. Me, I just had bread - I wasn't terribly hungry, and was conscious of filling myself up too much. Main course, we all had something different - me, I had the spaghetti with truffle.. and it was gorgeous, the pasta served with that delicious eggy sauce that I've only really had once before, in a little Italian place beside a previous office of ours. Both now closed, sadly. We were too full for dessert. But it has to be said, this is excellent food.

We had a horrendous delay before the main course - the staff were awfully apologetic, and of course, as we could see, this was due to the large group (of Italians) who'd just come in. The staff just weren't sufficiently resourced for the job (I know the feeling). Hey though, I loved the ice-cold limoncello they gave us to finish.. really nice place, would definitely come here again.

I didn't have time to finish the wine, and although our organiser got me a stopper, I had to dump it - I had nothing to carry it in, wouldn't have been allowed to take it on the bus. What the hey, the night ended with one in The King's Head. And it was good to see people - despite the moratorium on discussing it, we never know when lockdown will happen again..

Tomorrow is the birthday of someone I used to know from Kensington Classical Music Society. Well, she also works for Talent Unlimited, who promote young classical musicians, and there's a concert that day, at St. James' Church Sussex Gardens (tickets through Eventbrite). She got in touch to see whether I'd be interested, so I said I'd go - we're meeting afterwards in the Royal Lancaster Hotel. Then on Friday (assuming my test is negative, they're making us test again), I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Probably a quiet one - theatres are still closed there, and the only things worth making the trip to the cinema for are on in the evening! when I have to watch telly with my mother.

On Monday, my last Meetup of the year.. same group as my last before the major lockdown, which I hope isn't an omen! Mind you, they were called "This and That", then. And practically my first group when I eventually came back! Anyway, Invigorate are off to Dennis Severs' House Museum, which should be lovely, all bedecked for Christmas. I got the last ticket for that time slot! Complete with post-event social, of course.

Now, we had a great old time on Friday - so we're doing it again on Tuesday! Well, some of it.. Ivan and I are meeting up with our old colleague at The Spice of Life, which used to be an office haunt when we were with that company. Except Ivan has been identified as a close contact of an infected person - watch this space.

And next Wednesday, my last social event before Christmas - meeting my ex-boss from my first company in London for our annual hot chocolate and booze. Starting in Caffe Nero, we might well end up in The Hippodrome, as we did before. And why not - we're both on holiday next day, and (again, test permitting) I'm back to Ireland for Christmas that afternoon.. (highly expensive) Aer Lingus again, for the sake of the later flight. Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I'm taking my laptop to Ireland for Christmas. Just in case.

Film: West Side Story

Today, film again. And top of the list now was Spielberg's remake of West Side Story! So I  planned to go see that - showing in the Barbican, my closest cinema, and I can walk there. Nice, feelgood choice.

I set off in good time - as per Google Maps, got there within 15 minutes, and with the cinema not open yet, I had time to have a drink from the bar - could bring it into the cinema with me when we were let in. The place ended up being maybe 1/3 full, at most.. the advantage of seeing films on a Tuesday, of course!

Ok, the opening is a bit slow - they could easily have trimmed something off that. But once the action - and, crucially, the music - get going, this is unmissable. It's a complete homage to the original - they re-recorded all the original music, and it is glorious. The outfits are sensational - and Rachel Zegler, who plays María, is an absolute revelation! Seems it's her first film role, although she played the part several times on stage - and it's incredible to think that she won the role from an open casting call, out of 30,000 applicants! Not when you hear her, though - she is sensational. Worth the admission price, all on her own.

Coming out, a couple were looking for the cloakroom, where they'd left their stuff - it was 11.10pm, and the security guard told them that everywhere apart from the main door was closed. Including the cloakroom. So they'd have to come back tomorrow. I dunno whether the closing time was advertised, but it certainly should have been..

Tomorrow - Civilised London is off for an Italian meal: Terra Rossa is the venue, and we're meeting beforehand in The Crown. And I was really lucky to get a place - he limits attendees to five, for an intimate gathering, and I only got a place on Monday, after someone dropped out! Well now, I do hope I'll be up to it - I'm getting my booster jab earlier in the day.. but it'll be the same as my first two, and I only got a sore arm on those occasions. And I'll have the day off, so can rest in the afternoon!

Thursday is the birthday of someone I used to know from Kensington Classical Music Society. Well, she also works for Talent Unlimited, who promote young classical musicians, and there's a concert that day, at St. James' Church Sussex Gardens (tickets through Eventbrite). She got in touch to see whether I'd be interested, so I said I'd go - we're meeting afterwards in the Royal Lancaster Hotel. Then on Friday (assuming my test is negative, they're making us test again), I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Probably a quiet one - theatres are still closed there, and the only things worth making the trip to the cinema for are on in the evening! when I have to watch telly with my mother.

On Monday, my last Meetup of the year.. same group as my last before the major lockdown, which I hope isn't an omen! Mind you, they were called "This and That", then. And practically my first group when I eventually came back! Anyway, Invigorate are off to Dennis Severs' House Museum, which should be lovely, all bedecked for Christmas. I got the last ticket for that time slot! Complete with post-event social, of course.

Now, we had a great old time on Friday - so we're doing it again next Tuesday! Well, some of it.. Ivan and I are meeting up with our old colleague at The Spice of Life, which used to be an office haunt when we were with that company.

And on the 22nd, my last social event before Christmas - meeting my ex-boss from my first company in London for our annual hot chocolate and booze. Starting in Caffe Nero, we might well end up in The Hippodrome, as we did before. And why not - we're both on holiday next day, and (again, test permitting) I'm back to Ireland for Christmas that afternoon.. (highly expensive) Aer Lingus again, for the sake of the later flight. Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I'm taking my laptop to Ireland for Christmas. Just in case.

Film: C'mon C'mon

Today, it was looking like film, and what was coming up was - as before, when I changed my mind - C'mon C'mon, where Joaquin Phoenix plays a middle-aged dj who never settled down, but suddenly finds himself in charge of his small nephew. Looked decent, closest showing now in Hackney Picturehouse. I do have a Picturehouse voucher from Tesco, but it doesn't seem to be working..

So, after another day at the battlefield that is work (and how I hate having to fight my way through every day), I set off, a tiny bit too late. So many buses stop at this stop that, although mine was only four minutes away, it was something like the sixth to arrive! Then the traffic was a nightmare - still, I halved Google Maps' estimate of my walking time to the cinema, from where I got off! You can get tickets at the bar - I considered a glass of wine while I was at it, but decided against it. Had to ask directions to Screen 4, though - where I took my seat (kind of woolly upholstery, pullman) while the ads were still playing. Win!

This is shot in arty black and white - and to be honest, the beginning seemed way too introspective for me, and I found myself looking at my watch and wondering how much of it I could stomach. There's a lot of chat between him and his sister about their late mother, and the sister's bipolar husband. But to be fair, as the film progressed, and he became closer to his nephew, it became more engaging. And I have to admit that the acting was super - really natural, with great chemistry between uncle and nephew. So, I ended up liking it. Cool..

Tomorrow, film again. And vying with this one for top spot was Spielberg's remake of West Side Story! So I'm planning to go see that - showing in the Barbican, my closest cinema, and I can walk there. Nice, feelgood choice.

On Wednesday - Civilised London is off for an Italian meal: Terra Rossa is the venue, and we're meeting beforehand in The Crown. And I was really lucky to get a place - he limits attendees to five, for an intimate gathering, and I only got a place today, after someone dropped out! Well now, I do hope I'll be up to it - I'm getting my booster jab earlier in the day.. but it'll be the same as my first two, and I only got a sore arm on those occasions. And I'll have the day off, so can rest in the afternoon!

Thursday is the birthday of someone I used to know from Kensington Classical Music Society. Well, she also works for Talent Unlimited, who promote young classical musicians, and there's a concert that day, at St. James' Church Sussex Gardens (tickets through Eventbrite). She got in touch to see whether I'd be interested, so I said I'd go - we're meeting afterwards in the Royal Lancaster Hotel. Then on Friday (assuming my test is negative, they're making us test again), I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Probably a quiet one - theatres are still closed there, and the only things worth making the trip to the cinema for are on in the evening! when I have to watch telly with my mother.

Next Monday, my last Meetup of the year.. same group as my last before the major lockdown, which I hope isn't an omen! Mind you, they were called "This and That", then. And practically my first group when I eventually came back! Anyway, Invigorate are off to Dennis Severs' House Museum, which should be lovely, all bedecked for Christmas. I got the last ticket for that time slot! Complete with post-event social, of course.

Now, we had a great old time on Friday - so we're doing it again on the 21st! Well, some of it.. Ivan and I are meeting up with our old colleague at The Spice of Life, which used to be an office haunt when we were with that company.

And on the 22nd, my last social event before Christmas - meeting my ex-boss from my first company in London for our annual hot chocolate and booze. Starting in Caffe Nero, we might well end up in The Hippodrome, as we did before. And why not - we're both on holiday next day, and (again, test permitting) I'm back to Ireland for Christmas that afternoon.. (highly expensive) Aer Lingus again, for the sake of the later flight. Flying back to London on the 3rd. Unless.. I'm not. So I'm taking my laptop to Ireland for Christmas. Just in case.

Victorian Ghost Stories at Christmas

Tonight, I booked with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton & Sussex again, for Victorian Ghost Stories at Christmas (via Zoom). Rather nice to have a day at home, after all my shenanigans!

Well, it was advertised to have a couple more people doing voices, but in the end, they cried off due to illness, and it was just the main narrator. Whom, to be fair, I've heard before, and he's excellent! So, we heard a number of stories - starting with Marley's ghost from A Christmas Carol, the narrator also took us through some of the history of the stories and writers. We heard tell of zombies, werewolves and vampires - some of the stories were, necessarily, cut short. M. R. James made an appearance, and all stories were accompanied by appropriate illustrations.

But it was the fabulous short story of The Monkey's Paw that made me sit up - it's one of my favourites, and he told it beautifully. Worth attending just for that alone! A recording is being made available on request. Excellent storyteller, and I think I chose well with this.

Tomorrow, looking like film, and what's coming up is - as before, when I changed my mind - C'mon C'mon, where Joaquin Phoenix plays a middle-aged dj who never settled down, but suddenly finds himself in charge of his small nephew. Looks decent, closest showing now in Hackney Picturehouse. I do have a Picturehouse voucher from Tesco, but it doesn't seem to be working..

Office Party & Catchups

On Thursday afternoon, we had our office Christmas Party. Literally in the office, which they transformed into a casino. We were instructed to take lateral flow tests beforehand.

It was pretty much impossible to get any work done that day - the above photo was taken from my desk, so you can see how close I was to the party area! And for hours beforehand, they were setting up - the company had really gone to some effort. We were intrigued by the variety of stuff appearing. In the end, the tally was as follows: two casino tables (blackjack and roulette), with accompanying cards and chips: a table football game: an air hockey game: a Scalextric track, and any amount of food and drink - plus uniforms for the caterers. They'd also brought a bar to operate from, but found our existing kitchen area handier. And there was a dj in the corner.

We had to hand it to them, the whole event went really well - initially hesitant, after a while crowds had gathered around everything. Except the dj - they had left a small dance floor, but no-one was tempted. The bar had a small menu, offering three different cocktails and red and white wine - I spent the afternoon downing "mandarin martinis" - vodka martinis with orange. Far too easily drinkable. And to be honest, I wasn't feeling quite myself after that - I was rather glad when they ran out of orange, and I switched to wine and felt much better! Prosecco was also on offer. And I was in a table football-winning team! It was lovely to get chatting to people I hadn't spoken to in a while, or not really at all.. and I was even dragged into a couple of pictures in the photo booth they set up in reception. Complete with festive headgear.

Anyway, that evening, the Crick Crack Club was supposed to have their first Christmas show ever! In Rich Mix. Wow, promised to be epic. But.. wouldn't you know it, a spot was reserved in The Paternoster pub near the office, and some drinks pre-ordered. So I said I'd see how it went - tarnation, why does everything have to happen on the same night?! So was I delighted when I got an email that morning to say the show had been cancelled, owing to the illness of a cast member. Awesome. When I finally managed to drag some of my colleagues to the pub, we discovered that a corner area had been roped off - a bit snug for everyone that eventually showed up, but we managed - and drinks were indeed waiting for us in the corner. I managed on the white wine that was available - plus one drink kindly bought for me by a colleague. And again, spoke to people I knew pretty well, some I hardly knew at all.. a very successful night, and I'm glad I could go. Despite the lashing rain that doused me on the way home!

On Friday, I met Ivan and another ex-colleague for drinks (I didn't expect the other ex-colleague to last the night, but anyway.) He suggested Soho, I suddenly remembered where the Man with the Hat used to take us! The Nellie Dean would do very well indeed - I have so many good memories. I also remember the Man with the Hat once asking us whether we'd miss him..

Yes, we do. Very much.

Anyway, we arranged a time, and were, of course, all late - me, least so, so I said I'd hang around upstairs until a table was free. Which I did. Then another of us arrived, and we ordered food - downstairs, awkwardly, although they cook it upstairs. By the time it came though, a decent-sized table had come free, and we moved over there - and there we stayed until they closed the upstairs bar and we all moved outside. In due course, it was just me and Ivan, as predicted, and we headed to The Hippodrome, which has the advantage of being a central location where you can spend the night drinking without having to dance. Service is friendly, and they and they have a "boozy tea room", open till after 2, where it's a little quieter. We had very tasty nibbles, and when they chucked us out, it was to the restaurant overlooking the gaming tables, where you can still order food and drink until whatever time you want to leave.

The (free) cloakroom is interesting - they take your mobile number, and text you a retrieval code - although Ivan never got a text. However, your mobile number itself will do as well. By the time we left though, the cloakroom was unattended - we had to ask the bouncer, who told us to find the gaming manager, who got someone, and we were sorted. Really, all they need is to open some rooms to sleep / wash change in, and they'd have everything!

I even got a few hours sleep before dragging myself into wakefulness to meet Helen! London Transport Museum it was, and brunch would be welcome. I fact, I made it early - and across from the museum, on Tavistock Street, I discovered the Covent Garden Cafe, where I decided a hot chocolate would be wonderful while I waited. I was lucky to arrive early though - by the time she got there, it was packed! But we didn't stay, as she needed the toilet, and they don't actually have one.

And so to brunch - she generously paid, and I thought the Cote I could see ahead would be a good choice. They were manically busy, but said that yes, they could seat us, if we could be done in a little over an hour. So we agreed - and ended up beside the stairs to the kitchen. And had great fun watching the frantic dashing to and fro of the waiting staff. I went for my usual steak frites - and when she saw it being served to the table next to us, she decided on the same. It's simple, it's tasty, it's quick. A bottle of Chardonnay accompanied it - a little sharp, I thought, and I'd probably go for something else next time. And we chatted apace - when the tables started to empty out a bit, and we saw they weren't moving us, we decided on dessert - chocolate fondant for her, chocolate mousse for me. She asked whether she could have the version of her dessert listed on the festive menu, with the cinnamon ice cream - but apparently not. But anyway, we were well fed - if slightly neglected in the hubbub - and I felt much restored.

And so around Covent Garden, where much purchasing was done - on my part, principally in the ever-popular Hotel Chocolat.

The drizzle that greeted us when we emerged from Cote turned heavier for the afternoon, but we braved it. Some places were far too expensive to shop in, but we made a fair dent in our bank accounts in others. We next headed to Christmas in Leicester Square - and let me tell you, this beats Winter Wonderland hands down! Sure, head there if you want the funfair, or specific shows - but the market is much better here, they have shows, and it's free! We were laden down with shopping by the time we wanted to sit and have a drink. Now, I wasn't enamoured of Costa, the last time I was there - so we carried on, and as it turned out, found a much better place! O Be Joyful is a tiny, French-style cafe, tucked away down Whitcomb Street, with extremely friendly service, and a range of teas and jams.

Really handy double-layer glasses, so the drink is kept away from you and you don't burn yourself - and note the little churn of milk! Goes to show what you can find if you snoop around a bit (although neither hot chocolate I had yesterday was up to my standards. But I am exacting!)

On the way home, we stumbled across yet another excellent market - in Trafalgar Square this time!

And so home for us both - one of my carrier bag's handles conveniently broke just as I got on the bus, but I did manage to get everything home safely. Of course, all this drinking and all these late nights meant I was too tired to get the blog done - but better late than never!

And tonight, I'm booked with Guided Walking Tours in Brighton & Sussex again, for Victorian Ghost Stories at Christmas (via Zoom)..